[Topless Beach] How to Pick Up a Beach Babe

6 Ways to Start a Summer Fling

Work up the guts to approach a gorgeous beach babe with help from Mind Games host Marc Salem

We all think the same thing when we see a beautiful girl in a bikini at the beach: “What can I do to see those last four square inches of covered skin?” The answer is as clear as the Caribbean with this treasure map from body language expert Marc Salem.

Set Your Stage
Don’t strut up and down the beach like a peacock. Instead, build an oasis on the sand and let the women flock to you. Stake out your spot on high ground so you’re visible to passers by and appear in control of the area. Lay down a solid color blanket—women subconsciously associate bold stripes and patterned prints with children. Once you’ve established your perimeter with the blanket, men will respect the borders of your territory. That means you won’t have to worry about any muscle-bound meatheads trying to horn in on your game.

Meet Her Needs
Everyone at the beach needs three things: sunscreen, water, and shade. Bring some different SPFs of sunscreen, a cooler full of water bottles, and set up an umbrella (again, no stripes, patterns, or logos). But don’t sit in the shade: it creates a psychological boundary between you and everyone else on the beach. Recline in the sun and when you make eye contact with a girl, say hello and give a warm smile. Then offer her some water and a piece of shade—now you’ve given her two good reasons to linger. Ask if she needs any sunscreen, but don’t try to put any on her, Casanova, unless she asks for your assistance.

Talk Like A Prophet
Scoping the scene with shades on is fine, but take them off once you start talking. Make sure to position yourself between your conversation partner and the sun. This will allow you to keep eye contact without squinting, plus having the sun behind you casts you in a slightly more confident and almost spiritual light, without being overbearing.

Read Her Bikini
Women may not be wearing much at the beach, but what she’s got on can speak volumes. The hottie in the day-glo thong is starved for attention—both yours and everyone else on the beach. Before you approach, consider whether you want to be with a person who’s going to make you number two in every situation. Solid black or solid white swimsuits are favored by classy, sophisticated women. On the other hand, a girl in floral print is usually outgoing, kind, and a little maternal. Pick your favorite or try something new—after all, you’re on vacation.

Catch Some Waves
Striking out on land? Take to the ocean—the most social spot on the beach. If you’re a surfer—or even a new bodysurfer—approach a girl and ask her if she’d like to learn. Even if your skills are sub-par, you’ll both have fun trying. You and a buddy can also strike up a game like Frisbee that invites group participation. An “accidental” gentle bumping into while diving for a catch can be all you need to bring a girl or two into the mix.

Mix Well
Women are rarely alone at the beach, so your best bet is to meet a trio because there’s enough of them to not feel threatened, but they’re open to newcomers. Steer clear of large groups of women, particularly if they look like co-workers or part of some social club. They are an established clique and you’ll always be the outsider. If you find a co-ed party or beach barbecue, ignore the ladies at first. Instead, befriend the men first by joining their beach volleyball game or with guy talk (“So, is that a T-bone or a ribeye you’re grilling?”). Once you’ve blended into the party, you’re free to start chatting up the girls.